ntless systems of NO RELIGION that are so numerous on all
sides around us. I say it's ridiculous," said he, departing.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE TEMPTER AT THE WOMAN.

It was arranged among the Pryings and their advisers, one day in August,
that, as Amanda said Paul was an incorrigible young man, he should be
sent off to the State fair of Vermont, and, in the meantime, a certain
"true blue" Presbyterian minister, named Grinoble, should try his hand
at converting Paul's little sister Bridget. It was, some thought, wrong
to begin with Paul, as all experience, but especially scriptural
testimony, taught that temptation was more likely to succeed when woman
was the subject or the instrument. So thought Parson Grinoble; and, with
true serpent wisdom, he concluded that it was through the woman, the
weaker sex, that, in this instance, Popery was to be conquered. Besides,
this old hand at proselytism read somewhat of the epistles of St. Paul,
and read there of the success of his predecessors in unbelief in
seducing "silly women," and ensnaring their confiding souls within the
meshes of their wily nets. So thought Mr. Grinoble, and he began to act
on it on the day in question, by going into the kitchen and addressing
himself to Bridget, as she was peeling apples for cooking, in the
following manner:

"Come here, my dear, and shake hands," said his dominieship to the girl.

She walked over shyly, holding the knife in one hand, and stretching
forward for the other.

"Sit down here beside me, on the settle, my dear."

"I must do what 'Mandy ordered me, sir," she said, excusingly.

"Oh, don't you fear Amanda," he said; "I will be your security, my
little woman, that she won't be displeased. Dear me, what nice hair and
purty curls you have! and such beautiful teeth! Don't you think Miss
Amanda is jealous of your charms? eh? Why do you turn away your head, my
pet?"

"I don't like such talk, sir," she answered. "My Prayer Book, in the
'Table of Sins,' says it is a sin to listen to praise or flattery."

"Well said, my little lady," said the tempter. "You are right, Bridget;
I was only trying you. I do not wish you to sin. You know I am the
minister. I love you, and wish to see you a good Christian," said he,
caressing her.

"I thank you, sir," was her answer.

"Now, my little good one, I want to tell you some news. I have a message
for you,--a letter from a friend."

"Please show it, sir," she said, impatiently; "perha